Our top priority has been to support the King County business community as it navigated changes in regulations, and it can expect that same high level of support and resources from the Chamber to help ensure safety for our community moving forward. Before supporting a recommendation to lift the employee vaccine mandate, Public Health officials wanted to understand the impacts of a potential winter surge in 2022 2023. "These steps forward show we are moving in the right direction and reflect that our region's strong COVID response is the result of a united team effort. Below are resources and current guidance to help keep your workers and customers safe. Because we dont know yet how long this immunity lasts or have a way to test for it in individuals, vaccination is recommended for everyone even those who have been previously infected. A requirement for vaccination or a negative COVID test to enter higher risk public spaces is a sensible step to get our community back to where we all want to be. Since the earliest days of the COVID-19 pandemic, King Countys policy has been to follow the science, listen to the experts, and protect life and health. A city official said lifting the mandate is expected to have. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. We have a duty to protect them from the virus, they have the right to be protected, and the communities they serve and live in deserve protection as well.. For isolation and quarantine requests contact the King County COVID-19 Mobile Isolation and Quarantine Program at 206-848-0710. We applaud King County for requiring vaccinations and encourage other counties to do the same. Immune compromised children and adults should also get booster doses when eligible. Seattle Times staff reporters Elise Takahama and Joseph OSullivan contributed to this report. COVID-19 vaccine verification requirements for most businesses in King County have been in effect since October of 2021. Editors note: This post is no longer being updated. In alignment with CDC, the Washington Department of Health recommends workers and passengers two years of age or older wear masks in all indoor public transportation settings, including both conveyances and transportation hubs. Currently, 68% of the total King County population and 79% of eligible King County residents (those 12 years of age and up) have completed their vaccination series against COVID-19, including more than 70% of every eligible age group and all racial groups tracked by Public Health. Anyone needing COVID-19 vaccine can visit KingCounty.gov/vaccine to find a vaccine in their neighborhood. Together, we can help put an end to this pandemic and regain freedom from COVID-19. The latest setting on King County's dial is a vaccine mandate to enter restaurants, bars, and non-essential businesses. King County Executive Since this policy was adopted, over one-quarter of a million King County residents have gotten vaccinated. Washington announces COVID vaccine mandate for state workers, health Current COVID-19 guidance - King County, Washington Several jurisdictions have already adopted some form of vaccine verification policy, including New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles County, the State of California, British Columbia in Canada, and Clallam and Jefferson counties in Washington state. Enter your zip code in Washington's Vaccine Locator tool or check our Getting Vaccinated page to find a vaccination site near you. The mask order is the latest in relaxing COVID-19 restrictions in Washington state. Rescinding Vaccination Mandate for Contractors - King County Establishing a vaccine mandate for employees and contractors was critical to keeping employees and the public safe, and keeping services flowing. King County Executive Hours: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. "The way that this works the best is if people make the right choices," Mayor Jenny Durkan said in an interview with Q13 News. Today, after a record-breaking Omicron surge, COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations in King County are dropping, and hospitals are better able to care for patient loads. There's just no way around it. Businesses will no longer be required to check customers proof of vaccination, or a negative COVID-19 test, to enter restaurants and bars, indoor recreational events and establishments, or outdoor events. Vaccine Verification Rules End Tuesday In King County - Yahoo! News Jefferson and Clallam counties instituted indoor vaccine mandates for restaurants and bars starting September 4. Dow Constantine. The Delta virus is much more contagious, airborne, causes severe illness, and is seriously stressing our hospitals and healthcare providers," said Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer for Public Health Seattle & King County. The requirement applies to state workers, regardless of teleworking status. For COVID-19 information and resources visit kingcounty.gov/covid. Therefore, it makes sense that vaccination is highly recommended but no longer required for King County and Seattle staff and contractors outside of health care settings. There are nearly 300,000 King County residents who are eligible but have not yet started their vaccination series. King County has received complaints about 150 businesses as of last week that members of the public feel haven't been complying with a new countywide policy requiring patrons to show proof of. After a year-and-a-half of COVID-19 controlling and taking away lives, vaccines are the only way to stop this pandemic, prevent more dangerous strains from developing, restore our freedoms and our safety, and return our society to normalcy. KUOW - King County will require proof of vaccination at bars Following updated public health guidelines, King County and the City of Seattle will no longer require proof of vaccination against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 vaccination record card or photo of card. Vaccine verification was a win-win: our businesses got to keep their staff on payroll and keep their doors open, while prioritizing safety. Amanda Zhou covers afternoon breaking news and enterprise for The Seattle Times. WOODINVILLE, Wash. - Some King County business owners say within the short time frame of the county's proof of vaccine mandate, the impact has been severe. The vaccine mandate first went into effect mid-2021. The performing arts industry has been devastated by this pandemic. King County businesses and community members have been instrumental in encouraging nation-leading vaccination verification rates, and Im grateful for the extra effort to keep our community safe over these last several months. . Today, nearly 80% of all King County residents are now fully vaccinated and among those who are eligible to get vaccinated, which are people ages 5 and older, 92% have started the vaccination series. But not everyone is for the new mandate. CDC recommends the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines over J&J for both initial and booster vaccinations. KUOW - Final statewide masking mandate to end in WA KUOW - Final statewide masking mandate to end in WA Some local businesses throughout Seattle have been requiring proof of vaccination from customers for weeks. These steps will be important to protect against both current and future COVID-19 surges. All Rights Reserved. Starting October 25, Washington state's King County will be requiring proof of vaccination for people to enter restaurants, bars, gyms, and non essential businesses. SEATTLE - Seattle and King County Thursday announced an indoor vaccine requirement for restaurants, bars, gyms, movie theaters, and other entertainment venues. "Our data has shown vaccines, masking, and social distancing can reduce the risk of infection and prevent the spread of COVID-19 cases. The vaccination verification policy will no longer be in effect as of March 1. Businesses and organizations may continue to implement their own vaccination verification rules for their establishments. To enter a restaurant you must now show proof of vaccination. Seek appropriate reimbursement from the recipients plan or program (example: private health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid) for a vaccine administration fee. With City employees who had previously been working from home beginning to return to office in mid-March, I look forward to keeping up this collaborative spirit as we drive forward an equitable, community-focused recovery. For children aged 6 months4 years who completed the Moderna primary series and if it has been at least 2 months since their last dose. According to the media release, more than 98% of King County's nearly 15,000 employees provided proof of vaccination and nearly 4,000 employees were hired since. RELATED: The Divide Podcast: Seattle's mayor defends indoor vaccine requirement. If you have a disability and need accommodation, email publichealthaccommodations@kingcounty.gov. "We are at a critical point in this pandemic, with high levels of new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, and no certainty as to what will follow the Delta variant," said King County Executive Dow Constantine. . The third shot is part of their initial vaccine series, not a booster. Our public health experts believe that now is the appropriate time to lift vaccine verification, based on high rates of vaccine coverage and the decrease in new cases and hospitalizations across the county. King County Executive Dow Constantine, Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan and others in the community support the order, according to the news release. How can I get the COVID-19 vaccine in King County? Rachel Smith, president and CEO of the Seattle Metro Chamber of Commerce, Find certified small business contractors and suppliers, use high quality, well-fitting face masks, improve indoor air quality through ventilation and/or use of HEPA filtration, avoid crowded and poorly ventilated indoor spaces. Washingtons statewide mandate for schools and businesses lifted March 12, Public Health Seattle & King County announced last month, Washingtons COVID-19 mask requirements to lift on March 12, Mask mandate in WA health care, correctional facilities to end, Fauci should be jailed over COVID lies and mandates, Cruz tells CPAC, Final state emergencies winding down 3 years into pandemic, Troops who refused COVID vaccine still may face discipline, A condition called POTS rose after COVID, and patients cant find care, Coronavirus origins still a mystery 3 years into pandemic, Lab leak likely caused COVID pandemic, Energy Dept. There will be no personal exemptions, but employees can apply for religious exemption. Public and constituent inquiries | 360.902.4111 With King Countys high level of vaccination booster uptake and lower levels of community spread, hospitalizations due to COVID infection remained at a safe level, making the overall risk forecast low enough to lift the mandate for employees, volunteers, and contractors. King County to end indoor vaccination verification March 1 at bars The requirements are similar to those recently enacted in New York, San Francisco and New Orleans, as well as in Washington states Clallam and Jefferson counties. Although our mandatory vaccine verification requirement is ending, COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations remain elevated and layered COVID-19 prevention remains important. Helping state workers who were fired due to Washington State's COVID-19 vaccine mandate. To keep employees and the community safe and healthy, in mid-2021 that included requiring all county and city employees, contractors, and volunteers to show proof they had received the initial COVID-19 vaccination series. After extensive engagement with community partners, small businesses, venues, and hospitals, Seattle is proud to implement a vaccination verification policy. At this stage in the pandemic, we have higher levels of immunity from vaccination and from many people having had COVID-19 infections. Preventing further COVID infections is a powerful way to protect the health care system. We're a very small establishment, old, old building, not crazy ventilation. The intent was to reduce COVID-19 transmission in high-risk indoor settings and thereby reduce the burden on our hospitals, while providing time for more people to get fully vaccinated, said Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer, Public Health Seattle & King County. Vaccination verification is just one part of a multi-faceted COVID-19 prevention strategy. King County and City of Seattle announce updates to employee vaccine By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Seattle and King County moved to drop its vaccine mandate on Feb. 6 after nearly two years in effect. Learn more about vaccination for youth at kingcounty.gov/vaccine/youth. King County reports losing about 2% of its workforce and the city of Seattle lost about 1% of workers who refused the vaccine. As employers prepare to implement the new vaccine verification program over the next several weeks, the Chamber is ready to be their champion. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is approved for anyone 6 months and older. Vaccination and getting boosters when eligible are the most important tools available to prevent severe outcomes from COVID-19 infection. Youre making a choice that by doing that you cant participate in things that are really important to society.". Vaccination verification - King County - King County, Washington Lukas Crippen joined the Port of Seattle Fire Department nine years ago and has gained leadership experience along the way. In addition, since this policy was adopted, over one-quarter of a million King County residents have gotten vaccinated, meaning nearly 80% of King County residents are now fully vaccinated and 92% of those eligible have started the vaccination series., Although our mandatory vaccine verification requirement is ending, COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations remain elevated and layered COVID-19 prevention remains important. The steady decline in positive cases is much needed positive news. the Washington State Nurses Association, and . Washington will lift the COVID-19 vaccination requirement for health care and education workers, but employers can choose to mandate vaccines if they wish. Dismissed for vaccine refusal? The state legislature offers help It doesnt affect outdoor dining, take-out orders and shopping in places including grocery stores. IHME's projections show that COVID-19 transmissions will extend beyond 2021. said Dr. Christopher Murray, director of IHME. If you have a complaint and wish to file a grievance, or have a question about possible discrimination, please contact the King County Civil Rights Program at civil-rights.OCR@kingcounty.gov; 206-263-2446; TTY Relay 7-1-1; or 401 5th Ave, Suite 800, Seattle, WA 98104. King County also dropped its vaccine-verification requirement for large outdoor events, like concerts and sporting events, as well as restaurants, bars, theaters and gyms on March 1.. King County to require proof of vaccination or negative test for many For the latest business and worker guidance related to reopening, visit the Washington Ready page or the governor's website. Everyone age 6 months and older can get a COVID-19 vaccine. Public Health Seattle & King County Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin said the move will protect customers and workers through providing safer spaces, protecting the health care system, and helping prevent business closures. Immunization program - King County - King County, Washington Washington State sets vaccine mandate for government and health care workers. Treatments such as Paxlovid antiviral treatment are available for people who get infected and may be at higher risk. Since the earliest days of the COVID-19 pandemic, King Countys policy has been to follow the science, listen to the experts, and protect life and health. We announced the vaccination verification policy in anticipation of a fall and winter surge in cases. King County will begin requiring customers of restaurants, bars, gyms and other indoor entertainment spaces to show proof of vaccination from COVID-19, or a negative test taken within 72 hours. The mandate required customers and visitors to provide proof they were fully vaccinated or recently tested negative for COVID-19 before they could participate in a broad array of indoor. Read the full story on the governor's Medium page. Require additional services in order for a person to receive a COVID-19 vaccine; however, additional healthcare services can be provided at the same time and billed as appropriate. The vaccine will be covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance, and the cost of the vaccine will be covered for people who are uninsured. Jay Inslee in response to the state's vaccine mandate. For general questions about COVID-19 in Washington State call the Washington State COVID-19 Information Hotline at 1-800-525-0127. The Citys actions then and now have always been informed by the science of the pandemic and recommendations of public health officials an approach based on data and dedicated to saving lives. Public health highly recommends following the current vaccination guidance which includes a bivalent booster dose for the best protection. The vaccine verification policy in King County will no longer be in effect as of March 1. To date, more than three million vaccine doses have been administered in King County. 99% of city employees have complied with Seattle's vaccine mandate, Mayor's Office says May Jenny Durkan's office announced that as of roughly 2:30 p.m., 99% of the city's 11,000 employees have. King County ending vaccination verification policy on March 1 as new I am not covering everything about this mandate, but it is easy to look up if you have questions. We are moving in the right direction, and can continue taking additional steps toward recovery. Masks are now credited, by public health officials, with limiting the spread of Covid-19. Washingtons statewide mandate for schools and businesses lifted March 12; Gov. Businesses and organizations may still choose to implement their own vaccine verification policies. 2023 ABS-CBN Corporation. Establishments will be responsible for checking vaccination proof or negative test status. Timeline: A look back at Washington state's COVID-19 response For general questions about COVID-19 in Washington State call the Washington State COVID-19 Information Hotline at 1-800-525-0127. The City will continue to evaluate in-person, remote, and hybrid arrangements to ensure the needs of Seattle residents are met. King County drops COVID vaccine requirement for bars, restaurants We support the engagement of the public and private sector to play more of a role in helping close the vaccination gap in our communities. Vaccine verification for large events is no longer required statewide. The Delta virus is much more contagious, airborne, causes severe illness, and is seriously stressing our hospitals and healthcare providers," said Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer for Public Health Seattle & King County. Dr. Jeff Duchin with Public Health - Seattle & King County confirms a man in his 50s died of coronavirus. Please note that while many industry sectors such as restaurants, bars, gyms, retails stores and other businesses have returned to normal capacity and operations, individual businesses may choose to maintain restrictions as they deem appropriate for the health and safety of their workers and customers. "Anything less than that amounts to using our industry which has been the hardest hit by far as a carrot-and-stick for the small percentage of people in King County who have been unwilling to be vaccinated.". Vaccine mandate for King County - Washington Message Board - Tripadvisor isolate away from others if you are ill, quarantine away from others if you are not up-to-date on your vaccinations and are exposed to someone with COVID-19, and get tested when possible if you have symptoms or are exposed. In accordance with Federal civil rights law, Public Health Seattle & King County does not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of an individuals protected class, including but not limited to race, color, national origin, religion, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, and marital status. The last mandate in Washington, an order requiring masks in health care and correctional facilities, is coming to an end. Inslee announces vaccination requirement for most state - Washington Vaccine Verification Rules End Tuesday In King County Businesses should continue to support employees in getting vaccinated and staying home when sick., We are thrilled to hear that recent public health data has encouraged King County leaders to move our community and our businesses into the next phase of the pandemic and prepare for the sunset of vaccine verification, said Rachel Smith, president and CEO of the Seattle Metro Chamber of Commerce. The directive includes a definition for being "fully vaccinated" as being 14 days after receiving the second dose of a two-dose series of a COVID-19 vaccine approved by the FDA or World Health Organization. Dow Constantine. Beginning March 1, 2022, the vaccine verification requirement will no longer be in effect in King County. Duchins order is not meant to be permanent and will be reviewed within six months after the implementation date, officials said. We don't want to keep going backwards so if we have to take it to this level, then that's what we need to do, Heigh said. Updated: 10:20 PM PDT September 13, 2021. State workers file lawsuit over Inslee's vaccine mandate in Washington Anyone needing COVID-19 vaccine can visit KingCounty.gov/vaccine to find a vaccine in their neighborhood. The mandate required customers and visitors to provide proof they were fully vaccinated or recently tested negative for COVID-19 before they could participate in a broad array of indoor. Only children under 12 are exempted from the mandate. In addition, since this policy was adopted, over one-quarter of a million King County residents have gotten vaccinated, meaning nearly 80% of King County residents are now fully vaccinated and 92% of those eligible have started the vaccination series. KING COUNTY, Wash. - Gov. Seattle, King County dropping COVID-19 vaccine mandate | king5.com UW's IHME projects our outbreak to worsen in the next six months with hundreds of thousands of additional cases, thousands of additional hospitalizations, and approximately a thousand additional deaths, with the majority among unvaccinated people. We should be doing all we can to ensure the health care system is there to serve our residents. People 12 years old and up must show proof that they are fully vaccinated or provide a negative COVID test taken. Correction: An earlier version of this story misstated the status of King Countys mask mandate for large outdoor events.
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